Latest articles by Matthew Jones
The well-built, well-priced Alpkit Williams Expedition Compass is a practical, versatile and inexpensive hiking and hillwalking tool
A small, lightweight slipjoint knife the Buck Ridgeway has elegant looks at an attractive price: all qualities that make it an appealing option as an everyday carry tool
The Decathlon Geonaute Racer 900 Thumb Compass is ideal for orienteers and adventure racers on a budget
The standard against which all other base plate compasses are measured, the Silva Type 4 is a highly regarded, expedition-proven navigational tool
The epitome of the traditional pocket-knife, the clip-point Böker Barlow O1 is a timeless classic that will appeal to lovers of heritage outdoor equipment
Small but surprisingly capable, this US-made blade is well-designed and superbly executed for everyday carry, backpacking and hiking
A lightweight, top-loading pack with a roll-top closure, the Exped Lightning 45 is a deceptively simple design. But while it is minimalist and streamlined in terms of features, it doesn’t compromise on carrying comfort, with a padded harness and hipbelt plus a strengthened T-shaped frame that can handle heavier loads
Designed for fastpacking trips and other quick-paced adventures, the lightweight Montane Trailblazer 44 pack draws on the brand’s mountain running heritage with a trail vest-style harness that offers plenty of practical, on-the-go storage
The Osprey Levity 45 is an ultralight framed trekking pack that shaves grams without sacrificing carrying comfort
Built to carry heavy loads in comfort thanks to a pivoting harness and body-hugging hipbelt, the Gregory Katmai 55 is a serious gear-hauler, but it’s also been made with sustainability in mind
The no-nonsense Sprayway Nakuru Rainpants have an accommodating fit and dependable Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable performance
Wear-all-day waterproofs for hiking, the Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants are soft and comfortable, with excellent venting options – ideal for hiking in fluctuating temperatures and changeable weather
Stylish yet understated, the US-built Benchmade Proper 318 Clip-point Micarta knife is a premium slipjoint folder giving superb all-round performance in all situations
The SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin works well both on the trail and when put to use in camp, offering good performance, dexterity and control
The Spyderco UK Penknife Drop Point (UKPK) is a lightweight and compact but highly effective cutting tool that performs consistently well, whether employed as an everyday carry knife, on the trail or in camp
A simple, robust, no-nonsense friction folder, the Svord Peasant Mini is built for hard use, making it very popular with all sorts of outdoor types, from farmers and foresters to fishermen
The minimalist, ultra-modern Zero Tolerance 0230 Jens Anso slipjoint knife is incredibly light but has serious cutting power – the perfect everyday carry-outdoor knife for a dedicated ultralighter with a taste for premium gear
An elegant slimline pocket-knife, the CRKT CEO Heinnie Haynes Edition is lightweight and easy to carry, with a versatile blade profile for everyday tasks
A striking-looking everyday carry knife, the versatile Böker Plus XS has some handy design touches that make it well-suited to a multitude of outdoor tasks
Knowing how to choose a tent, with so many varieties on the market, can be a bit befuddling. We cut through the jargon in our comprehensive guide on choosing the optimum shelter
The classic French pocket-knife, the Opinel No 05 Carbon is a simple, durable and charming thing to carry and own
The diminutive Fällkniven LTC penknife – designed to be legal for everyday carry in most countries – is a perfect pocket companion for daily life that also comes in handy for hiking and camping
A versatile, value-driven shell, the Revolution Race Cyclone Rescue 2.0 is built from a comfortable stretch fabric and is also armed with some useful features
